Litigation Section
Welcome to the Litigation Section's web page.
The Litigation Section seeks to improve and further the standards of trial practice and the art of advocacy in civil litigation through the review, consideration of, and comment on proposed legislation and court rule changes; the presentation of topical and informative programs; and the development and distribution of educational materials.
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Now Available!
Photos from Bench Meets Bar 2022:
Click here to see the photos from our recent 2022 Bench Meets Bar Luncheon where prominent judges and lawyers from the Los Angeles legal community gathered in a unique and collegial atmosphere to meet and discuss the state of the local Federal, State and Appellate Courts.
David Lash Honored with 2022 Jim Robie Professionalism and Civility Award
LACBA’s Litigation Section congratulates David Lash, Managing Counsel for Pro Bono and Public Interest Services at O’Melveny & Myers, who has received the 2022 Jim Robie Professionalism and Civility Award.
The Award is given annually by LACBA’s Litigation Section to a Los Angeles trial lawyer whose career demonstrates the same qualities of professionalism, civility, service, enthusiasm, and collegiality as the Litigation Section’s former Chair, Jim Robie. Not only was Mr. Robie an accomplished trial lawyer, he was a consummate professional who embraced civility and service to the bar and the civil justice system.
David Lash exemplifies these qualities. He received the award at the 2022 Bench Meets Bar Luncheon on May 17, 2022. Regarding the award, Mr. Lash stated: “I could not be more honored to receive this recognition named after Jim Robie. And to have it presented to me by Edith Matthai was so very special. I am completely humbled and grateful.”
Welcome Message from Litigation Section Chair Eric Y. Kizirian
Welcome to the Litigation Section’s website!
I am honored to serve as the 2021-2022 Chair of the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Litigation Section. The Litigation Section is comprised of a diverse group of judges and plaintiff, defense, and government attorneys. This unique partnership fosters an environment where we can have meaningful and timely conversations about challenges facing practitioners and the courts, and how we as members of the bar can assist the courts.
Our Section has had a long tradition of promoting civility in the legal profession, expanding diversity and Inclusion, working to secure adequate court funding, protecting the independence of the judiciary, and providing member education through programming. The diverse and incredibly capable group of judges and attorneys who will serve on our Litigation Section’s Executive Committee this year will again be guided by these long-standing principles as we work to tackle the daily challenges that affect both the courts and practitioners alike during this pandemic.
Our Section’s leaders are here to serve you. Please check this website often for LACBA Litigation Section news, updates, and programming information. If I can ever be of service, please reach out to me anytime, eric.kizirian@lewisbrisbois.com.
With kind regards
Eric Y. Kizirian
Chair, Litigation Section
Upcoming Events:
Not Your Model Minority: Film Screening and Discussion with Jon Osaki
June 29, 2022, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Please join us for a screening of Not Your Model Minority, an award-winning short documentary that explores the origins of the model minority myth and how it intersects with past and present anti-Asian violence. The film depicts the ways in which the model minority myth has been used as a wedge between communities of color, while also examining opportunities to address systemic racism in America. We are pleased to have the filmmaker, Jon Osaki, join us following the screening to discuss the film.
For more information and to register, visit here.
Statements from the Litigation Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association
Video:
Superior Court Fast Track Personal Injury Bench Trial Program
Recorded June 21, 2021
Recent Events:
Protecting the Record
May 24, 2022, 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Please join a panel of California Court of Appeal justices for a discussion on best practices for trial attorneys to protect their record for possible appeal. Topics will include tips and techniques to complete the record, common pitfalls, ensuring that the record contains what is needed for compelling appellate argument, and other appellate best practices. This program is suitable for all levels of experience, from junior lawyers to seasoned practitioners.
Speakers:
Hon. Judith Ashmann-Gerst | California Court of Appeal, 2nd District, Division 2
Hon. Laurence D. Rubin | California Court of Appeal, 2nd District, Division 5
Litigation in a Post Pandemic World
May 25, 2022, 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Join court and bar leaders for an engaging roundtable discussion on post-pandemic best practices for critical case management issues in a LA Superior Court.
You’ll hear the Court’s, Plaintiffs’, and Defendants’ Perspectives on:
- When should Demurrers be filed?
- Informal Discovery Conferences
- Scheduling Motions for Summary Judgment and Effect on Trial Dates
- MSC Opportunities
- Trial Readiness in IC Courts & PI Hub
Litigation 2022 Bench Meets the Bar Luncheon
May 17, 2022, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Please join us for the 2022 Los Angeles County Bar Association, Litigation Section's Bench Meets Bar Luncheon where prominent judges and lawyers from the Los Angeles legal community will gather in a unique and collegial atmosphere to meet and discuss the state of the local Federal, State and Appellate Courts.
Wage & Hour – Best Practices and Hot Tips
May 5, 2022, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Please join us for this timely and informative program on best practices that apply to wage & hour cases. Topics to be covered will include:
- Wage & Hour and PAGA Cases
- Case Management Strategies
- Successful Strategies for Seeking Court Approval of a Settlement
- Procedures to Implement a Settlement and Secure a Dismissal
- Complex Courts – Unique Practices
- Case Management Strategies
- Case Resolution
- Arbitration Matters
- Petition to Compel – key documents and evidence
- E-filing and Remote Appearances – Tips and Best Practices
Speakers:
Judge Carolyn Kuhl | Los Angeles County Superior Court
Judge Maren Nelson | Los Angeles County Superior Court
Judge David Cunningham | Los Angeles County Superior Court
Judge Yvette Palazuelos | Los Angeles County Superior Court
2022 Federal Courts Symposium
April 28, 2022, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
A Conversation with District Court Judges and Magistrate Judges about Rule 23, the Magistrate Consent Program and More.
The LACBA Litigation Section is on Facebook!
Click here to “Like” and “Follow” the Litigation Section’s Facebook page. You will receive announcements of Litigation Section-sponsored events such as Brown Bag lunch programs, Inn of Court meetings, the annual Bench Meets Bar event, and many other programs.